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2011-06-20
National Birds - Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe.


Namibia: -

The Crimson-breasted Shrike - Laniarius atrococcineus - or "Reichsvogel" in Namibia is a striking bird in black and red.

This shrike is extremely nimble and restless, its penetrating whistles often being the first sign of its presence, although it is not a shy species. The sexes have the same colouration and are indistinguishable from each other. A yellow-breasted form is occasionally seen, and was at first thought to be a separate species. Young birds have a mottled and barred buff-brown appearance with a pale bill.

It's preferred habitat is drier thornbush areas, in thickets and riparian scrub. It makes small seasonal migrations, preferring lower altitudes during cold periods.

These striking shrikes can be seen on the following Aves Birding Tours/Safaris/Adventures: -

Aves Arid Birding Tour/Safari/Adventure

Aves North West Birding Tour/ Safari/Adventure

Aves North East Birding Tour/Safari/Adventure

 

Zambia and Zimbabwe: -

The African Fish Eagle - Haliaeetus vocifer is a large bird of prey. The female, at 3.2-3.6 kg (7-8 lbs) is larger than the male, at 2-2.5 kg (4.4-5.5 lbs). Males usually have a wingspan of about 2 m (6 feet), while females have wingspans of 2.4 m (8 feet). The body length is 63–75 cm (25–30 in).

The adult is very distinctive in appearance with a mostly brown body and large, powerful, black wings. The head, breast, and tail of African Fish Eagles are snow white, with the exception of the featherless face, which is yellow. The eyes are dark brown in colour. The hook-shaped beak, ideal for a carnivorous lifestyle, is yellow with a black tip. The plumage of the juvenile is brown in colour, and the eyes are paler compared to the adult. The feet have rough soles and are equipped with powerful talons in order to enable the eagle to grasp slippery aquatic prey. While this species mainly subsists on fish, it is opportunistic and may take a wider variety of prey such as waterbirds. Its distinctive cry is, for many, evocative of the spirit or essence of Africa.

These large striking birds can be seen on the following Aves Birding Tours/Safaris/Adventures: -

Aves Arid Birding Tour/Safari/Adventure

Aves Eastern Cape Birding Tour/Safari/Adventure

Aves Highlands/Tembe Birding Tour/Safari/Adventure

Aves KZN Birding Tour/Safari/Adventure

Aves North East Birding Tour/Safari/Adventure

Aves North West Birding Tour/Safari/Adventure

Aves Western Cape Birding Tour/Safari/Adventure

Aves West Coast Birding Tour/Safari/Adventure



 



 


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